John Thomas Wright

Wright John Thomas Wright, PhD COLUMBIA - Born in Philadelphia, PA, Dr. John T. Wright excelled in athletics, academics, and leadership from an early age, underscoring a life dedicated to self-development and knowledge. A star athlete in football at Frankford High School, he went on to serve as an lieutenant in the U.S. Marines upon graduation. He continued his studies and athletics at the University of Pennsylvania, during which time his photo appeared in Sports Illustrated with the following caption: "Riding high: Penn beat Dartmouth 14-7 for the first victory since 1953, is game hero John T. Wright." Dr. Wright was able to matriculate at the University of Pennsylvania where he graduated from the prestigious Wharton School of Business. Earning a PhD from the University of South Carolina in Comparative Literature, he was mentored by one of the greatest and most original scholars, Dr. Morse Peckham. Dr. Wright's interests took him in the direction of humanities as he began teaching high school English. Soon after, having acquired a family and looking to expand his intellectual horizon, he took a position in Singapore as the Department Head of the Singapore American School. It was Dr. Morse Peckham who encouraged Dr. Wright to do his doctoral studies at the University of South Carolina. During this time, Dr. Wright translated and published Louis "Aloysius" Bertrand's Gaspard de la nuit: Fantasies in the Manner of Rembrandt and Callot. For 33 years, Dr. Wright was a tenured professor at USC/Union and was Dean of Academic Affairs. He loved classical music and started the community concert series at USC/Union. A scholarship was established there in Dr. Wright's name and is awarded each year. Teaching at USC/Union until 2005, he was awarded professor emeritus. Upon retirement, Dr. Wright returned to teaching at the University of South Carolina's main campus. While undergoing chemotherapy, he still enjoyed teaching at the University. He devoted much time and energy to the Metropolitan Opera National Council South Carolina Auditions and was a member of the Opera Guild of Greater Columbia. Beloved son Ian carries on as most capable stage manager for the MONC SC Auditions as a loving tribute to his parents. Dr. Wright is survived by wife of nearly 27 years Kathleen Vandekieft-Wright with whom he raised son Alfred Domenick Wright, was proud father of Ian Richard Wright, and with whom the blended blessing of beloved daughters, Remi Lynn Wright Savva and Erika Giovina Wright (from his first marriage to Janet Capecci Wright) of New Orleans made for a great family. He was grandfather to Joseph Christopher Savva, Marina Isabella Savva, Nasir Arion Wright, and Alfred Richard Wright. Dr. Wright is also survived by step-mother Edith Wright, sister Lorraine Wright Johnson (Dave, nephews Brad and Dale, and niece Laura), brother Wayne Wildey Wright (Sharon), (Jess Reed Wright and nieces Allison and Olivia), and Warren Wright (niece Catherine), with cousins Virginia Showers White (Chris and family), Janet Showers Patterson (Day), Carolin Showers and sons, Raymond Wright, Jr., Bob Josuweit (Beth), and Mrs. John Lovrich (Lori). Dr. Wright loved teaching. Described by his USC English students as someone who loved learning and sharing knowledge, he incorporated his exposure and understanding of history, cultures, literature, music, science, philosophy, religion, and ballet into his teaching. Those who knew him will remember his humanity, patience, intelligence, good and noble character, and interest in the world and people around him. He was a devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather and member of Forest Lake Presbyterian Church. He will be sorely missed. The family has chosen to set a private memorial at a later time. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to remember him can consider a donation to the Dr. John T. Wright Educational Scholarship at USC/Union, P.O. Drawer 729, Union, SC 29379 or to the Central Carolina Community Foundation for the Alice E. and Richard N. Vandekieft fund for the Metropolitan Opera National Council SC Auditions (MONC SC Auditions) at 2711 Middleburg Ave., Columbia, SC 29204. Please sign the online guestbook at www.dunbarfunerals.com.